CBFV treasures the heritage of Baptists in Virginia, a cradle of democracy and religious liberty, and holds firmly to such principles as:

Soul Freedom We believe in the priesthood of all believers and the freedom and responsibility of every person to relate directly to God without imposition of creed or control by clergy or government.

Bible Freedom We believe in the authority of Scripture. We believe the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, is central. We affirm the freedom of every Christian to interpret and apply Scripture under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Church Freedom We believe in the autonomy of every local church. We believe Baptist churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive as gifted for ministry, and to participate in the larger Body of Christ.

Religious Freedom We believe in freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We support the separation of church and state. CBFV believes that Christ-centered diversity and freedom to think and act unleashes the creativity to develop the networks, partnerships, voluntary cooperation and resources needed for modern ministry. As modern travel and communications technology “shrink” the world and bring its hurts and needs ever closer, they also shrink excuses to sidestep Christ’s Great Commission to go into all the world.

CBFV, based in Richmond, Va., joins national CBF, based in Atlanta, Ga., in a sense of urgency to help network, empower and mobilize churches and individuals to focus their time, talent, resources and prayer on a world full of spiritual and physical need.

Partnership…

CBFV believes in partnering with organizations, such as the Baptist General Association of Virginia and its Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB), in spreading the gospel and ministry of Christ.

For example, CBF missionaries Ralph and Tammy Stocks serve abroad with the Romany (Gypsy) people in a joint relationship with CBF and VBMB. They also partnered in printing the first New Testament translation in the Romani language. CBFV recommends participation in volunteer missions and relief efforts in cooperation with CBF, VBMB and others.

Services…

• CBFV conducts an annual General Assembly that elects a moderator and other officers.
• CBFV relates to like-minded Virginia Baptist churches, individuals and organizations through representatives from eight CBFV regions. They sit on a 24-member CBFV Coordinating Council that conducts business between annual assemblies.
• CBFV publishes a newsletter four times per year.
• CBFV connects Virginia Baptist churches to CBF resources and opportunities for development of church leadership and missions.
• A Search Assistance Service to link churches to prospective pastors and church staff members.
• Development of other services for, and in partnership with, Virginia churches to fulfill our aim to do missions and ministry in the name of Christ.

We welcome your prayer and support.